Mediterranean Tossed Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
This vibrant Mediterranean Tossed Salad features a delightful medley of fresh vegetables and a tangy blood orange vinaigrette, offering a refreshing and colorful dish perfect for any occasion.
- Total
- 25 min
- Serves
- 3
- Level
- Adventurous
Created with Pantry Bliss
Ingredients
3 servings
For the roasted eggplant
- 1 large Eggplant, cut into 1.5 cm cubes
- 30 milliliters Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper, to taste
For the salad
- 100 grams Lettuce, roughly torn
- 100 grams Cabbage, finely shredded
- 2 medium Tomato, diced
- 1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 1 medium Red capsicum, diced
- 1 medium Mango, diced
For the blood orange vinaigrette
- 60 milliliters Blood orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Blood orange zest, zested
- 45 milliliters Olive oil, to emulsify
- 1 teaspoon Honey, optional, to taste
- 1 pinch Salt, to taste
- 1 pinch Black pepper, to taste
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 10 min
About this recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from classic Mediterranean flavours and presentations, showcasing the warmth of roasted vegetables paired with vibrant, fresh greens. The blood orange vinaigrette adds a unique and aromatic touch, inspired by the sunny Mediterranean climate where citrus fruits thrive. Traditional Mediterranean salads often embrace the local ingredients and seasonal produce, making it a perfect representation to reflect the beauty and flavours of the region.
Method
-
Step 1: Roast the eggplant
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the cubed eggplant on a roasting tray. Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the eggplant is golden brown and tender.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and check for doneness occasionally to avoid burning. The eggplant should be soft and slightly caramelised. -
Step 2: Prepare the salad ingredients
While the eggplant roasts, prepare the fresh salad ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the torn lettuce, shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, diced red capsicum, and diced mango. Toss gently to mix without bruising the leaves.
Ensure all vegetables are fresh and crisp for the best texture and flavour. -
Step 3: Make the blood orange vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed blood orange juice, blood orange zest, and honey (if using). Gradually add the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Ensure the dressing is emulsified well; it should appear creamy and uniform in texture. -
Step 4: Assemble the salad
Once the eggplant is roasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Add the warm roasted eggplant to the bowl of salad ingredients. Drizzle the blood orange vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
Be careful when adding the warm eggplant; it should enhance the salad but not cook the fresh ingredients further. -
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Plate the salad into individual servings or present it in the mixing bowl for a family-style serving. Garnish with additional blood orange slices if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean masterpiece!
Serve immediately to ensure vegetables remain crisp and fresh.
Tips
- Consider adding some feta cheese or olives for additional Mediterranean flavour.
- Use a variety of salad greens for added texture and colour; arugula or spinach can work well as substitutes.
- For a playful twist, toast your salad ingredients briefly in a pan to enhance their flavours.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Roasting tray
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Zester
- Juicer
Serve it with
Sides
-
Grilled Pita Bread
The warm, fluffy pita bread complements the salad's freshness, perfect for scooping.
-
Hummus Dip
A creamy hummus dip pairs beautifully with the crisp salad for added texture.
Goes well with
-
Grilled Chicken Skewers
These add protein and depth, enhancing the Mediterranean experience.
-
Baklava
The rich, sweet pastry offers a satisfying contrast to the fresh salad.
Drinks
-
Sparkling Water with Lemon
Refreshing and light, it balances the salad's vibrant flavours.
-
Sauvignon Blanc
The acidity and fruitiness of this wine enhance the blood orange notes in the salad.
Created by a home cook with Pantry Bliss’s AI recipe creator and shared with the community. Always check recipes for allergens and cook food to safe temperatures.
